EndSARS was not a protest, it was a …. movement

One year on, I am still reminiscing on the protest that happened this time last year. It was quite different from the various protests that the country had ever witnessed. It started slowly and quickly ramped up. It went from Lagos to Abuja and from there on every city caught up in the euphoria. Yes, it was euphoria: youths were happy and excited to speak their minds. The nation was going through bad times, but the youths were not bothered– initially. Many youths were already oriented that survival was an individual thing–OYO (On Your Own). But, Police Brutality was a bane. And, many who were not beneficiaries of police brutality, but witnessed the brutality gladly joined. It became a movement.

The movement seems to have been written in the stars. Organizations, companies, religious bodies were wowed by the maturity of the protesters though. Despite having no leader; no harm, no robbery or thievery, and no accidents were witnessed nor recorded. No doubt, many heroes arose at different points in time, yet the crowd rejected them. Yes, they were heroes; some had started the fight before the protest started at all, while others worked behind the scene: some worked pro-bono, others sponsored with cash and other necessities, and others were organizers in different capacities. Yet, the crowd decided no one person will own the glory alone–an amazing situation that puzzled many detractors.

New leaders were born, new talents arose. Someone exclaimed in the crowd–this protest is unbelievable. He became a fan, yet he was an unbeliever– of protests. The older generations have never believed there could be a new thing, their old idea reigned supreme, and it was evident. They could not react quickly, their thoughts were we have done it before, they will soon get tired. The fire burned till it reached a higher elevation. They were stunned! I was too. The Elders, who truly believed in One Nigeria came in to support the movement. Something told them Nigeria is about to become better in their times. Some encouraged their kids to join. Many adults who had never seen their parents encourage such were shocked.

According to CNN, an international media company, a 32 year old man left his two kids –14 and 9 years respectively– to protest. He never came back alive. Why? Some decided enough was enough. They decided to crush it. Their egos were already bruised. People, who were hungry, got food during the movement. People termed hooligans became holy fans during the movement. People who were locked up unjustly for protesting had lawyers fighting to release them. Some got new legs. There was joy, something some people could not fathom. Threats were made, but people did not deter, people were committed. Then, they struck! People fell by the way, but became martyrs. The 32 year old man was one, many were too, even if many were unknown.

I have seen things, but I have never witnessed such. I woke up to watch TV, after a stressful day sorting out some issues, it was 6pm. People held Nigerian flags; they were pictured singing the Nigerian anthem, some holding hands. I thought there was going to be rapture. I quickly held my bible and moved closer to ascertain what the problem was. Calls started coming in, my phone was vibrating with messages, I was alarmed. The messages were the same. Just a question, did you hear what the rumours were? I quickly checked the media. I waited patiently to ascertain if the rumours were true. That night was an impromptu vigil.

Social media was agog. A well-known DJ was used to playing recorded songs for her teeming fans; little did she know her job for the night was to stream chaos–live. The night was full of chaos and blood. The rest will be left to history. Many claimed the protesters looted, some claimed they were destroyed; others said there was no death at all. Posterity will decide. One thing remained constant: EndSARS was not a protest, it was a movement.